On the eve of anti-tax “tea parties,” House Democrats avoided discussion on permanent property tax relief once again, abruptly killing amendments to SJR-1 as well as a number of second reading bills. The House Republicans’ Caps Clock showed about 1 day, 5 hours and 45 minutes left until the third-reading deadline when Rep. Davis presented House Speaker B. Patrick Bauer with a motion to suspend House rules for the purpose of voting on SJR 1. Speaker Bauer allowed House Republican Leader Brian C. Bosma to speak on the motion. “Rep. Davis has filed a motion pursuant to Rule 8 to suspend House Rule 85 immediately for a single purpose and that’s for voting on SJR 1,” Rep. Bosma said. Rather than allowing a vote on SJR 1, State Rep. Scott Pelath quickly made a motion to adjourn as Bosma stood at the podium and House Democrats immediately exited the chamber. “Once again, the speaker has chosen to ignore House rules. Rule 8 clearly states that a motion to suspend a rule takes precedent over any other business and is in order at any time,” Rep. Jerry Torr said. “Instead of dealing with the motion to vote on the property tax cap resolution that more than 70 percent of Hoosiers want, they chose to adjourn.” A Public Opinion Strategies Poll conducted on April 1-2 showed that Hoosiers support the tax caps by a 72-20 percent margin. Every political and demographic group supported the caps by at least 60 percent. Self described liberals support 65-28 percent. Self described strong Democrats support 65-30 percent. Every income group is over 70 percent support, as is every age group. Urban 77-16; Suburbs 71-21, Rural 69-26. It came as conservatives across the country are hoping to grab the national spotlight away from President Obama for at least a day by holding tea parties. U.S. Rep. Dan Burton will appear at a Statehouse tea party at 4:30 p.m. today. U.S. Rep. Mike Pence will attend one in Columbus.
